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Monitor The Environment

Park scientists operate an almost 90-foot tower to measure the interactions of carbon between the atmosphere and plants in mangrove communities.

NPS Photo

An important part of being able to notice if our environment is changing is to know what it was like in the past. There are many scientists who continually measure these changes over time. These observations are made across a wide array of indicators, including coral health, nesting of wading birds, vegetation communities, fish abundance and diversity, hydrology and water quality, threatened and endangered species, and cultural sites.

Changes in the environment often lead to management challenges and questions about how to deal with the changes. Original and targeted research is often necessary to address these questions. The park employs many experts that work daily to resolve important management questions, and encourages research by third-party agencies and institutions on park resources.